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Understanding Patella Luxation
in dogs and cats

Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Key symptomsSkipping, limping, sudden lameness, holding a leg up, joint clicking
CommonalityHigh in small and toy dog breeds, rare in cats
TransmissionNot contagious
Impact on healthMild to Severe depending on grade
Treatment cost ~$500 to $5,000 AUD
depending on severity and treatment type
Treatment duration4 to 12 weeks
Ease of preventionModerate

Most affected dog breeds

  • Pomeranian
  • Chihuahua
  • Toy Poodle
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • French Bulldog
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Maltese
  • Boston Terrier

Most affected cat breeds

  • Devon Rex
  • Abyssinian

What is Patella Luxation

  • For the Non-Vets:

The kneecap, or patella, sits in a small groove at the end of the thigh bone. In patella luxation, the kneecap slips in and out of this groove, causing sudden skipping, limping, or lameness. Some pets recover quickly after a skip, while others may develop pain or joint wear over time.

  • The Vet’s Version:

Patella luxation occurs when the patella moves out of its normal position within the trochlear groove of the femur. It is often due to a congenital misalignment of the femur, tibia, or soft tissues, leading to medial or lateral displacement. Repeated dislocation causes cartilage damage, inflammation, and arthritis if left untreated.

Key takeaways

  • Patella luxation means the kneecap (patella) slips out of place.
  • It is one of the most common knee issues in small and toy dog breeds.
  • The condition can range from mild (occasional skipping) to severe 
(constant lameness).
  • Diagnosis involves a physical exam and sometimes X-rays to assess severity.
  • Treatment depends on the grade of luxation and may involve physiotherapy, medication, or surgery.
  • Weight control and careful activity management help prevent flare-ups.

Importance for pet owners

Patella luxation can start as a mild condition but may worsen if untreated. Recognising early signs and seeking veterinary advice can prevent long-term joint damage. Most pets with mild cases live comfortably with lifestyle adjustments, while moderate to severe cases may require surgical correction.

Understanding Patella Luxation

The patella is a small bone that slides in a groove at the end of the thigh bone, helping the leg bend and straighten smoothly. When the groove is shallow or the bones are misaligned, the patella can slip out of place.

There are four grades of patella luxation:

  • Grade I: Patella slips out occasionally but returns to place on its own.
  • Grade II: Patella luxates more often and may need to be manually repositioned.
  • Grade III: Patella is usually out of place but can be repositioned manually.
  • Grade IV: Patella is permanently out of position and cannot be replaced without surgery.

Causes of Patella Luxation

Genetic factors

Most cases are hereditary and develop in puppies as their bones grow. Breeds with bowed legs or shallow knee grooves are more likely to be affected. Responsible breeding and early screening can reduce the risk.

Trauma

Injury to the knee joint can cause patella luxation, especially if the joint is twisted or struck. Even pets without genetic predisposition can develop the condition after trauma.

Poor limb alignment

Abnormal bone structure, such as inwardly turned knees or hips, can alter the way the patella tracks, leading to luxation over time.

Muscle and ligament weakness

Weak muscles and loose ligaments can make it easier for the kneecap to slip out of place. This can be made worse by obesity or lack of exercise.

Symptoms of Patella Luxation

Mild to moderate symptoms:

  • Intermittent limping or “skipping” when walking or running
  • Sudden holding up of one hind leg, then returning to normal movement
  • Clicking sounds from the knee
  • Mild discomfort after play

Severe symptoms:

  • Persistent limping or inability to bear weight
  • Swelling around the knee
  • Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs
  • Visible bowing or inward turning of the leg

Tip:

If your pet suddenly limps but then seems fine, keep an eye on how often it happens. Repeated skipping or stiffness should be checked by a vet.

Diagnosis of Patella Luxation

Clinical examination

Your vet will gently manipulate your pet’s knee to see how easily the kneecap moves out of position. They will also check for swelling, stiffness, or pain.

Imaging tests

X-rays are often used to confirm the grade of luxation and rule out other issues such as fractures or hip dysplasia. In severe cases, advanced imaging may be recommended before surgery.

Treatment for Patella Luxation

Treatment depends on the severity (grade) and how much it affects your pet’s comfort and mobility.

  • Non-Surgical treatment

Mild cases (Grades I and II) are often managed with:

  • Weight control to reduce strain on the knees
  • Anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
  • Joint supplements to support cartilage health
  • Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to strengthen leg muscles
  • Controlled exercise to prevent stiffness
  • Surgical treatment

Moderate to severe cases (Grades III and IV) may require surgery to correct bone alignment or deepen the knee groove. Common surgical procedures include:

  • Trochlear Deepening: Deepening the groove to hold the kneecap securely.
  • Tibial Crest Transposition: Repositioning the attachment of the patellar ligament.
  • Soft Tissue Reconstruction: Tightening or loosening surrounding tissues for better stability.

Surgery usually has a high success rate and significantly improves mobility and comfort.

Postoperative care for Patella Luxation

Recovery

After surgery, pets typically need 6 to 12 weeks of restricted movement. A rehabilitation plan helps them regain strength safely.

Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and gentle exercises prescribed by the vet promote healing and muscle support. Consistency and patience are important for full recovery.

Follow-Up

Your vet will monitor progress with follow-up visits and may recommend X-rays to ensure the joint is healing correctly.

Cost of treatment for Patella Luxation

Treatment costs depend on severity, procedure type, and whether one or both knees are affected.

  • Conservative care: $100 to $500 per month (for medications, supplements, and physiotherapy)
  • Surgical correction: $1,500 to $5,000 per knee
  • Diagnostic imaging: $200 to $800
  • Post-surgery rehab: $100 to $300 per session

Costs vary by clinic and region. Pet insurance can help manage these expenses.

Prevention tips for Patella Luxation

Responsible breeding

Choose breeders who screen for patella luxation and only breed dogs with sound knee joints.

Weight management

Keep your pet at a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the knees. Obesity increases joint wear and tear.

Exercise management

Avoid overexertion or rough play, especially on slippery surfaces. Controlled walks and low-impact play strengthen leg muscles safely.

Regular vet checks

Routine vet visits help detect early signs of knee issues before they become severe.

Joint supplements

Supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support long-term joint health.

Getting Patella Luxation covered with pet insurance

What is Petsy Pet Insurance?

Petsy reimburses 80% or 90% of eligible vet costs for unexpected injuries or illnesses once any waiting periods have passed. You can choose your annual limit, benefit percentage, and excess. Claims can often be submitted directly by your vet, making the process simple.

Petsy also offers a complimentary Pre-Existing Condition Assessment to clarify which conditions may be covered based on your pet’s history.

What is a pre-existing symptom or condition?

Any signs or symptoms of an illness or health issue your pet shows before the exclusion period is over are considered pre-existing symptoms and conditions and won’t be covered. 

Patella Luxation is a Specified Condition that has a 6 month exclusion period. Once this period has passed with no signs or symptoms, it may be covered if it is not pre-existing.

Does Petsy cover Patella Luxation?

Petsy covers eligible costs for patella luxation as long as it’s not pre-existing and no signs or symptoms of patella luxation appeared during the exclusion period. Starting your policy early ensures your pet is protected before any symptoms arise.

How Petsy pet insurance can help

Patella luxation can lead to expensive surgery and rehabilitation. Having cover before any symptoms appear helps you manage unexpected costs. Petsy Pet Insurance can assist with eligible costs for diagnostics, medications, surgery, and aftercare related to patella luxation.

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Waiver form

You can apply to reduce the 6 month exclusion period for Specified Conditions including patella luxation.

How to apply:

  1. Complete Part 1 of the Waiver Form.
  2. Have your vet examine your pet and complete Part 2.
  3. Submit the form and full vet history within 14 days of the vet visit.
  4. Petsy will review it and issue an updated Certificate of Insurance if approved.

You can find the Waiver Form in the Policy Documents section on our website or contact us to have it sent to you.

Waiver form

Conclusion

Patella luxation is common in small and toy breeds and can range from mild to serious. Most pets with early diagnosis and proper care recover well and live active lives. Keep your pet at a healthy weight, avoid overexertion, and schedule regular vet checks to help mange your pet’s care.

Frequently asked questions about Patella Luxation

It is a condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, causing limping, skipping, or lameness.

Small and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, and Maltese.

Skipping, limping, clicking in the knee, or holding a leg up suddenly.

Through a physical exam and imaging such as X-rays.

Mild cases can be managed with physiotherapy and medication. Severe cases often need surgery to realign the kneecap and stabilize the joint.

Specified Conditions includes:

  • Cruciate ligament damage
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patella luxation
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion,
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (‘OCD’)
  • Lumps

Lumps means the protuberance or localised area of swelling or unusual growth that can occur anywhere on or in the body including tumours, warts, cysts, growths, mucoceles, haematomas and abscesses.

You can apply to reduce the 6-month exclusion period for Specified Conditions by using our request for Waiver Form. Simply take this form to your next vet visit and submit the completed form back to [email protected] within 14 days of the visit.

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Optional Extra Benefits

During the application process You will be provided with the option to include Optional Extra Benefits that cover certain conditions and Treatments which are not otherwise covered under the Policy.

The Optional Extra Benefits are:

Alternative Therapies, Behavioural Problems, and Dental Illness.

Examples of Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy.

Examples of Behavioural Problems: Excessive licking, fur pulling, pacing and destructive chewing.

Examples of Dental Illnesses: Dental diseases, gingivitis, periodontal disease.